Ferndale Dream Cruise

Ferndale Dream Cruise "Where the dream began...in 1995" The History of the Woodward Dream Cruise™
Beginning in 1994, a Ferndale (a metro Detroit suburb) resident, Mr.

Nelson House, reached back into time, looking for a way to raise funds for a children’s soccer field. His memories returned to warm nights in the 1950s and ‘60s when Woodward Avenue swelled with young adults in Fords, Chevys and Plymouths, eager to “put-the-pedal-to-the-metal” and “make the scene.”
Car clubs, car buffs, oldies music fans and people of the generation who remembered coming of age du

ring those heady days on Woodward were ready to reinvent the past. With a heavy dose of nostalgia and a group of dedicated volunteers the Woodward Dream Cruise Car Show was launched in August of 1995, with an unexpected attendance of over 250,000 strong. Since 1995, the phenomenon of the Woodward Dream Cruise has spread mainly by word of mouth among the classic car communities who enjoy celebrating their love and passion for all things automotive. The event has grown into an institution with additions such as celebrity appearances, entertainment and independent special events to benefit a variety of youth organizations. The reputation of the Woodward Dream Cruise spreads beyond the Detroit metropolitan area and the state of Michigan, when news of an increasing amount of inquiries comes from across the United States and abroad. Since 1995, the Woodward Dream Cruise has grown from a car buffs’ dream to the biggest automotive cruising event in the world. It attracts over one-million spectators, car enthusiast, and more than 30,000 classic vehicles, and continues to be a family-friendly-grand-celebration of automotive culture. What began as a fundraiser for a field of dreams is now an automotive institution.

https://youtu.be/WqV-alBqz4g?feature=shared
09/09/2025

https://youtu.be/WqV-alBqz4g?feature=shared

This upcoming episode takes you straight into the action of the 30th Woodward Dream Cruise, giving you an insider’s look at the people, the cars, and the sto...

08/24/2025

Reeves said "Everybody's here and it's a beautiful day. I can feel the joy all over the place."

2025 Woodward Dream Cruise
08/22/2025

2025 Woodward Dream Cruise

A look at the sights and sounds of the 2025 Woodward Dream Cruise.

https://youtu.be/FjZ8elqTl5M?feature=shared
08/22/2025

https://youtu.be/FjZ8elqTl5M?feature=shared

Woodward Dream Cruise week is here and WXYZ is proud to be an official broadcast partner of the annual event. Going to the cruise? Here's everything you need...

2025 Ferndale Emergency Vehicle Show, August 15, in downtown Ferndale.
08/22/2025

2025 Ferndale Emergency Vehicle Show, August 15, in downtown Ferndale.

Friday was packed. I kicked the day off at an emergency vehicle show—nothing like seeing vintage cop cars, fire trucks, and old-school rescue rigs all polish...

08/18/2025

It began in 1995 as a local fundraiser in Ferndale, Michigan, and quickly grew into a massive event, drawing more than 1 million spectators and 40,000+ classic cars from across the U.S. and overseas. Cars of every era—muscle cars, hot rods, antiques, and modern performance vehicles—cruise the 16-mile stretch between Ferndale and Pontiac. Woodward Avenue itself is historically significant, as it was the first paved road in America (1909) and an early hub of street racing in the 1950s–60s, which makes it the perfect setting.

The Dream Cruise isn’t just about cars; it also features live music, car shows, local vendors, and community events that bring together enthusiasts and families alike. Though officially one day, the festivities often stretch into a week, with thousands of people camping out along Woodward to watch the parade of cars.

Length of cruise route: ~16 miles (Ferndale → Pontiac)

Spectators: Over 1 million each year

Cars: ~40,000+ classic & collector vehicles

Countries represented: More than 12 (including Canada, Australia, Japan, and several in Europe)

U.S. states represented: All 50


30 Years of the Woodward Dream Cruise TV Special
08/18/2025

30 Years of the Woodward Dream Cruise TV Special

The 2025 Woodward Dream Cruise had the famous avenue packed this weekend with classic and custom rides.

What a weekend!!! A huge and deserving shout-out to all the awesome and hardworking volunteers who helped ‘move’ the Woo...
08/17/2025

What a weekend!!! A huge and deserving shout-out to all the awesome and hardworking volunteers who helped ‘move’ the Woodward Dream Cruise!! They rock to make this demanding event happen! Show some love and give a big ‘Thank you’ to volunteers!!!

Address

300 East Nine Mile Road
Ferndale, MI
48220

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